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The Shadow Pandemic: Gender-based Violence and The Impacts of COVID 19

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The Shadow Pandemic: Gender-based Violence and The Impacts of COVID 19

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https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/the-shadow-pandemic-gender-based-violence-and-the-impacts-of-covid-19
I attended this event online, February 12, 2021 at 1:00pm.
It was an informative style presentation with one guest speaker. There were 24 others attending online. The Host was Tyler Creses, a student at Durham College involved in the "Kiss with Consent" program.

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I am a Women's Advocate, Speaker, and Author of A Cloud of Witnesses: Poems for Survivors (2019, Amazon, https://amzn.to/3bF1Djd), which is a poetic offering on the relationship between trauma and recovery within the age of #metoo. All of my work-both professional and grassroots, is rooted in the pursuit of ending male violence against women.

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Elizabeth Peprah - Daughters of the Vote Delegate - Equal Voice | LinkedIn

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I am a Women's Advocate, Speaker, and Author of A Cloud of Witnesses: Poems for Survivors (2019, Amazon, https://amzn.to/3bF1Djd), which is a poetic offering on the relationship between trauma and recovery within the age of #metoo. All of my work-both professional and grassroots, is rooted in the pursuit of ending male violence against women.

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Domestic violence or gender-based violence has no boundaries as it effects all social and economic groups as well as subcultures. It is a pattern of behavior used to establish control over another person by using fear.
Domestic violence stems from Symbolic interactions. When violent acts against women
go unpunished, the behavior becomes normalized.
Functionalism normalizes gender disparity and confirms specific positions in society.
Conflict theory explains that one particular group is dominated by another. Domestic violence is long considered gendered as most instances are men against women. It is an expression of conflict within the family.

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Violence against women has been condoned throughout history. Women were considered property of men, and spousal immunity hindered prosecution for their violent acts.. Violence against women has intensified during the recent Pandemic. Stay at home restrictions have left women with no where to go. Resources are depleted and shelters are full , leaving few options.  Lost jobs, lack of finances and a place to go during the Pandemic has made it difficult for women to leave these relationships. There mental state is more vulnerable  now due to the impact of the Pandemic.

Here are the resource sites I received from the event: The Canadian Centre for Women's Empowerment
Canadian Women's Foundation ,Domestic Violence Hand Signal

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Women in intimate partner relationships may experience economic abuse in a variety of forms. It may involve being denied access to bank accounts, information and decision making rights regarding family finances or having severely curtailed choice regarding purchases.

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Domestic violence has always been an issue in the shadows. Women throughout history have been pushed into roles, not by choice but by gender. I realize after attending this event that there is still a very important need to educate and empower women on this subject. It has made me more aware of the increase in domestic violence during the pandemic . There needs to be many changes made to laws as well as funding for more adequate resources if we are to change the stigma attached to domestic violence. People need to be more educated and less judgemental. Violence of any kind is not acceptable in today's society so it is hard to understand why this particular type of violence goes on today.
As I go forward with my career I will no doubt come across this issue so I have some knowledge of resources available from the event that I can familiarize myself with. I  have been a victim of domestic violence myself and can say first-hand that it is a very complicated issue in today's society. People do not like to hear about it nor see it although they display concern and distaste they have little to offer.  I managed to find help through a crisis centre and get my life back but not everyone has the means to get  themselves out of a violent relationship. Awareness in the community as well as more shelters and resources for women are long overdue. Changing the way society sees domestic violence is key to resolving this issue.

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Help during the Pandemic in Ontario for Domestic violence victims

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Updated June 5, 2020* Here is an updated list of Violence Against Women & Gender-Based Violence support services currently open and still taking referrals, though some may not be operating out of a physical space or their usual place.
We know that social distancing, self-isolation, and even using crisis lines can be extremely unsafe options for survivors of gender-based violence in our communities.

During this unprecedented time of crisis and uncertainty Violence Against Women Services in Ottawa are doing the best they can to support survivors with diverse needs and realities.

If you're seeking safety from a harmful situation, please reach out to your local Violence Against Women Shelter by visiting sheltersafe.ca or call 911 if you're in immediate danger.

To talk with someone immediately about your safety needs and safety planning you can also contact confidential and anonymous provincial and local crisis lines.

NEW OTTAWA ONLINE TEXT+CHAT LINE SERVICE FOR SURVIVORS DURING COVID-19
Unsafe at Home Ottawa
Our text and online chat service is available 7 days a week from 8:30 am to midnight.

Text us at 613-704-5535 or Chat with us here

Unsafe at Home Ottawa is a secure text and online chat service for women who may be living through increased violence and abuse at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our counsellors provide emotional support, practical advice and referrals.

We can help you:

Talk about how you're feeling

Create a safety plan to reduce your risk of harm

Get you the services you need for support

Cope with your situation during this period of physical distancing

NEW OTTAWA AREA COUNSELLING CONNECTION WEBSITE
Counselling Connect is an initiative being launched Thursday by 13 Ottawa area mental health agencies, making it easy for children, youth, adults and families to make appointments for free, same-day or next-day 45- to 90-minute phone or video sessions HERE

✓ Sleep issues ✓ Anxiety and depression ✓ Bullying ✓ Behavioural issues

✓ Separation ✓ Relationships ✓ Grief and loss ✓ Drugs and alcohol ✓ Gender and sexuality

✓ Adjusting to life in Canada ✓ Problem gambling ✓ Isolation and loneliness
NATIONAL & PROVINCIAL CRISIS LINES
Assaulted Women's Helpline: 1-866-863-0511 (toll-free)
During this time of crisis and uncertainty, the Assaulted Women's Helpline (1-866-863-0511) & the Senior Safety Line (1-866-299-1011) remain committed to delivering our 24/7 crisis counselling for women and seniors in the province of Ontario. Please share widely - the assaulted women's helpline is available in over 200 languages

Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime: 1-877-232-2610 (Toll-Free)

If you are a victim of a crime, or a family, friend, loved one of someone that has been victimized, we are here to help. Here's how you can reach us:

Toll-Free: 1.877.232.2610

Text: 613.208.0747

Online Chat: www.crcvc.ca

We are open and available remotely during these times from 8:30 am - 4:30 pm (EST).

Talk4Healing: 1-855-554 HEAL (toll-free)
Talk4Healing is a culturally grounded, fully confidential helpline for Indigenous women available in 14 languages all across Ontario.

Fem'aide: 1-877-336-2433 (toll-free)
Fem'aide offers French-speaking women who have experienced gender-based violence, support, information and referral to appropriate front-line services within their communities, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
LOCAL CRISIS LINES & SEXUAL ASSAULT SUPPORT SERVICES Ottawa women can call the local violence-against-women phone line, which will assist with counseling and local resources and provide referrals, at 613-745-4818.
Ottawa Rape Crisis Centre
Crisis Line at 613-562-2333 *
Attention Ottawa the ORCC will be postponing all drop-in groups this week and all counselling sessions will be either rescheduled or happening over the phone. For more information please e-mail us directly: orcc@orcc.net *When leaving a message, confirm if you wish to be called back.

Sexual Assault Support Centre of Ottawa:
24-hour support line (613) 234-2266 will continue to operate.
SASC We are suspending all in-person support sessions and groups until further notice. Individuals who are on our lists for individual support sessions will be offered support via phone or by Zoom. We understand that these are not the most equitable options.
Our 24-hour support line (613) 234-2266 will continue to operate. If you need to get in touch with a peer support worker and are not sure how, please e-mail us at info@sascottawa.com. We will be in the centre to check messages on our office line, (613) 725-2160.

Ottawa Victim ServicesIf you are in need of emotional support, practical assistance (alarms or 911 cell phones) or victim compensation (safe accommodations when VAW shelters are full) contact us at info@ovs-svo.com or 613-238-2762 & we will get back to you. You're not alone, Victim Services is here for you

Sexual Assault and Partner Abuse Program at the Civic Campus of the Ottawa Hospital 613-798-5555 x 13770.
As we are experiencing unprecedented challenges amid the Covid-19 epidemic, we are functioning and staffing our Program as per usual.
All clients presenting to the ED will be screened for symptoms of COVID-19 and treated as per infection control standards. We know there may be staffing issues depending on variables ie nurses requiring self-isolation etc, and therefore encourage people to call ahead IF, AND ONLY IF they are able to and it is safe to do so. This could allow us to book appointment times and ensure less travelling in the community if there is not an SA/DV nurse available at that time. Our community's safety is our concern. We understand the many fears, stressors and isolation, as well as the potential added barriers in these uncertain times. We are acutely aware that our community is facing a greater risk than ever for partner violence and wish to assure you that we are here.

The Ottawa Hospital SAPACP is following all screening and isolation precautions with best practice guidelines coming from the Ontario Network of Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Treatment Centers. We are available 24 hours a day , seven days a week to provide private and confidential acute medical care to anyone 16 years of age or older who have experienced sexual assault or intimate partner violence. Along with our community partners we work to meet the medical, emotional, social, forensic and legal needs of those individuals.

Ottawa Police Victim Services Crisis Unit
Contact the Victim Service Crisis Unit by phone at 613-236-1222, ext. 5822 (TTY 613-760-8009).The Ottawa Police VCU is fully operational with normal working hours on scenes.
Our intake line can be reached at 613-236-1222 ext. 2223.
It is not a crisis line but response time is within a day.
The Victim Crisis Unit (VCU) is dedicated to providing professional assistance and crisis counselling to victims of crime or tragic circumstances. The VCU also ensures that victims have access to the many resources and programs offered in the Ottawa Area.
The Victim Crisis Unit is staffed with professional Crisis Counsellors who are available to help if you are in need of support or have any questions with regards to being victimized or suffering from tragic circumstances.

Ottawa Victim Witness Assistance Program
Contact Victim Witness Assistance Program by phone: 613-239-1290
The Victim/Witness Assistance Program office is open, with a rotating staff. Should our operations go remote at the courthouse, we will still be accessible/retrieving messages on our main line, and all workers will be accessible via e-mail, should you need to reach anyone.
Our program offers information, assistance and support to increase participation in the criminal court process * case-specific information (court dates, bail conditions) * trial preparation * liaise with Crown Attorneys and police * needs assessment * victim advocacy * emotional support * crisis intervention * referrals to community agencies

Carleton University Sexual Assault Support Services (Equity Services) Telephone 613-520-5622 or e-mail equity@carleton.ca
In addition to online peer support, we are now offering text support Monday-Friday from 8:30-4:30pm for the remainder of the semester!
We know it's a difficult time for many and we are here to listen.

Planned Parenthood Ottawa
Walk-In is Physically Closed. Our office is closed for in-person counseling sessions.
Telephone Services Still Available: Our information and referral line is operating and our counselling services is offering phone session. While our physical office space is closed to the public, we have safer sex supplies, pregnancy tests, ad prenatal vitamins outside our door for people to pick up as needed. Information, counseling and referrals available via phone 613-226-3234 x 100, or email ppottawa@ppottawa.ca We're here for you (remotely)!
For more detailed information visit our Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/PPOttawa/
FRANCOPHONE SERVICES
Safepet OttawaSafePet Ottawa fosters companion animals for women and their children who need to exit from domestic violence into the safety of local Violence Against Women (VAW) shelters.
We are veterinary clinics, fosters, behaviourists and sometimes your next-door neighbour.
We provide necessary veterinary intake and long- or short-term fostering for the duration of a woman's stay in her shelter. Upon exiting a shelter, we reunite owners with their pets so that they can move into a better future together.
SafePet Ottawa is operating as normal. However, access to some veterinary clinics may be restricted. If you have clients who need to place their pets with us please call us directly at 343-882-0108 x 202 and we will direct you from there.

CALACS francophone d'Ottawa
French Crisis Line 613.789.8096 or e-mail calacs@calacs.ca
(The Francophone Sexual Assault Support Centre of Ottawa)
INDIGENOUS WOMEN SERVICES
Fem'aide
French Crisis Line: 1-877-336-2433 (toll-free)
Fem'aide offers French-speaking women who have experienced gender-based violence, support, information and referral to appropriate front-line services within their communities, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Minwaashin Lodge
Crisis Line: 613-789-1141 or 1-855-789-9433
Intake and Referral: Phone support and crisis intervention is available by phone. It is necessary to call before presenting yourself on the premises. Violence Against Women: Counsellors are available by telephone. All groups are postponed. If unsafe, in office appointments can be arranged. If you or someone you care about is being abused or at risk of being abused, please contact our Violence Against Indigenous Women's Shelter, Oshki Kizis Lodge, by calling our crisis line at: 613-789-1141 or our toll-free number at 1-855-789-9433

Tungasuvvingat InuitThe Alluriarniq Program is doing remote counselling and resource navigation available by telephone, please call: 613-232-4477 or e-mail Ep-mgr@tungasuvvingatinuit.ca

Phone Outreach team/systems navigation: Cecilia and Katrina (613-204-9574 or 613-204-9578)

Phone Counseling: Aden and Marianna (613-204-9596 or 613-298-2756)

Facebook Messenger: TIAlluriarniq

Hours: 9-5 pm
IMMIGRANT WOMEN SERVICES, TRANSLATION & INTERPRETATION
For Inuit experience sexual violence, exploitation and engaged in sex work
WALK-IN, COUNSELLING, & SUPPORT Note: Walk-ins that remain currently physically open provide COVID-19 screening processes and social distancing measures
Immigrant Women Services Ottawa Our staff will be working remotely until further notice.
Language Interpretation and translation services ARE still available by calling our 24-hour line at 613-729-1393 or via http://www.iwsolanguageservices.com

Eastern Ottawa Community Resource Centre
Walk-In Physically Open, but Restricted. The mall is officially closed which means walk-ins can only be seen on appointment as we have to escort clients through a side-door. EORC is back to it's regular hours of 8:30am-4:30pm, accepting emergency walk-ins for food, diapers, and VAW program but please call first to schedule a time: 613-741-6025.
Telephone Counselling available: EORC's VAW program is also providing services by telephone.
24 Hour Crisis Line: We also continue to answer the crisis lines during the daytime; both Helpline 613-745-4818 as well our French Crisis Line Femaide 1-877-336-2433.

Carlington Community Health Centre
Walk-In: Open, but restricted. ENTRANCE to Carlington CHC will be RESTRICTED to people with confirmed appointments and to those in need of emergency support with personal crisis, food security or harm reduction equipment. Please call before coming to the Centre at 613-722-4000
VAW Services: Carlington Community Health Centre VAW services remain open and providing telephone support.
Telephone Counselling available: Please call 613-722-4000 to be connected to a VAW worker.
Pinecrest Queensway Community Health Centre
Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre
Walk-In Physically Closed. Intake is being done by telephone. Clients can call 613-591-3686 ex 269 to connect with an intake worker (Monday to Friday from 8:30am-4:30pm).
VAW Program: Counsellors are connecting with clients and supporting via telephone. Clients may connect with a VAW worker at 613-591-3686 ex 269
24 Hour Crisis Line: 613-591-5901
WOCRC Women's Shelter Chrysalis House remains operational.
Nepean- Rideau- Osgoode Community Resource Centre
Walk-In Physically Closed. Intake is being done by telephone. Clients please call 613-820-4922 ext. 3321 for an appointment. Clients can also leave a message as these are checked frequently. PQCHC offers free individual counseling and support for Ottawa women who have experienced abuse by an intimate partner. This service is offered (remotely) Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., at Pinecrest-Queensway Community Health Centre, in partnership with the Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre.

Walk-In Physically Closed. Intake is being done by telephone. Clients please call 613-596-5626 ext. 225 for an appointment. Clients can also leave a message as these are checked frequently. NROCRC offers free individual counseling and support for Ottawa women who have experienced abuse by an intimate partner. This service is offered (remotely) Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., at Pinecrest-Queensway Community Health Centre, in partnership with the Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre.

Family Services Ottawa
Walk-In Physically Open, but Restricted. Family Services Ottawa will continue to offer Walk-in services via telephone. PLEASE CALL 613-725-3601. Please select option 1 for English and then select option 2 to speak with our intake team during Walk-in Clinic times. The intake team will be available to schedule Walk-in Clinic appointments Tuesdays and Saturdays between noon and 3:30 pm.
VAW Program: We are providing our VAW services via remote. Please call the general information line to be connected to VAW Services Telephone 613-725-3601 ex. O or TTY 613-725-6175 (Text Telecommunication Device)

CFS Ottawa
Walk-in Physically Open, but Restricted. Following the most recent Ottawa Public Health announcement we ask that you not to come to our office, please call the agency to find out how to proceed at 613-233-8478
The Walk-In Counselling is Thursdays from 12pm-8pm and Fridays from 12pm-5pm. Our agency and intake is open from Monday-Friday 9am-5pm, and on Thursdays open until 8pm.
Telephone Counselling available: Clients with appointments will be contacted by their counsellor and offered telephone counselling.
VAW Program (services in French): The VAW Program, clients will be contacted by telephone and remote counselling will be available.
If you have questions or concerns, please call us at 613-233-8478.

Jewish Family Services Ottawa
Walk-in Physically Closed: Following the recent recommendations of the National and municipal health authorities, the JFS Ottawa offices will be physically CLOSED and all programs and in-person support services will be suspended for the time being. We apologize for this inconvenience and remind you that we are here to support you in these times of uncertainty and added stress.
Telephone Counselling available: JFSO are supporting survivors remotely and can access phone and email despite the office being closed
If you seek more information, please call us at 613-722-2225 or email info@jfsottawa.com.
A full list of JFSO contacts with phone extensions is available here.

Youth Services Bureau of Ottawa
Mental Health Walk-In Physically Closed, but services are still open: We are offering our mental health services remotely, including: virtual mental health walk-in clinic, youth & family counseling, 24/7 crisis line & crisis chat
You can contact our intake counsellors at 613-562-3004, from 8:30 to 4:30 pm on weekdays.
24/7 Crisis Line Phone: 613-260-2360 or 1-877-377-7775 (toll free for Eastern Ontario)
Crisis Chat Hours: 24/7 CLICK HERE to access the chat.
Mobile interventions: 7 days a week, 2:00 p.m. to 10 p.m.
We are adapting, we are here.

VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN SHELTERS
Call a shelter or Program Against Abuse

Chrysalis House: (613) 591-5901, TTY (613) 591-8912

Interval House: (613) 234-5181, TTY (613) 234-5393, our Transitional Housing Support Worker still available to provide telephone crisis and needs-based support

La Présence: (613) 241-8297

Lanark County Interval House: 1(800) 267-7946, (613) 257-5960, TTY (613) 257-1952

Maison d'Amitié: 613) 747-0020 or (613) 744-7789

Nelson House: (613) 225-3129 TTY (613) 225-4653

Oshki Kizis Lodge (for Aboriginal women): (613) 789-1141

Harmony House (daytime only): (613) 233-3386

Evelyn Horne Emergency & Transitional Housing Program for Young Women: (613) 789-8220

SafePet Ottawa (fosters pets for women while staying at a VAW shelter)

City of Ottawa Violence Against Women Shelter: 3-1-1

Shelters in the Gatineau, Quebec Area
Ontario Association of Interval HousesAll Violence Against Women Shelter's in Ontario have received directives from Public Health to create and implement screening plans.
Each shelter in Ontario offer a range of services responding to the unique needs of their communities, that will need to reflect a new and changing context over the coming weeks. Shelters will continue to receive the advice of Public Health of Canada, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Children, Community & Social Services and Local Public Health Units as we work through these unprecedented times and do our best to keep women and their children safe in Ontario.
Shelters may require support from their community over the coming weeks through donations of essential items to assist in their day to day operations. Please visit sheltersafe.ca to find the contact information for the shelter in or nearest to your community to find out how you can support them.

Maison Unies Vers Femmes: 819-568-4710

2SLGBTQI+ SERVICES Trans LifeLine 24 Hr Crisis Line: 1-877-330-6366 (toll-free) OTHER RESOURCES
Maison Libere-Elles: 819-827-4044

﻿Kind Space Ottawa
Office Physically Closed, but Reduced Services Still Available.
E-Mail to Inquire about services welcome@kindspace.ca
As a precaution, Kind Space will be suspending in-person discussion/support groups, workshops, outreach events, and rentals until further notice.
At the time we will reassess based on the information that is available at that time. Staff will be working from home and will be reachable by email or phone and on occasion will have in-person meetings when absolutely necessary.

Distress Centre 24 Hr Crisis Line: 613-238-3311.
It's normal for situations like COVID-19 to affect your mental health health & it's completely OK to ask for help. If you need support please call.

For FREE, CONFIDENTIAL help to find services and resources, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, dial 211 from any phone, or visit www.211ontario.ca

Any emergencies can be reporter to Ottawa police through 911. Non-emergencies can be phoned in at 613-236-1222, ext. 7300.

Ottawa Jail Line & Accountability Information LineThe hotline is open at 613-567- JAIL (5245) daily from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m

Workers Action Project Ottawa
A hotline for Ottawa workers looking for information and support.
Call us at 613-981-3606Our hotline is open Mondays and Thursdays from 6pm-9pm
Text, WhatsApp, or leave a voicemail, and we will respond to you during these hours.
All calls are free and confidential.
Email us at wrap.ottawa@gmail.com
* We also offer support in French, Spanish, Punjabi, Somali and Tagalog *

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Updated June 5, 2020* Here is an updated list of Violence Against Women & Gender-Based Violence support services currently open and still taking referrals, though some may not be operating out of a physical space or their usual place.